Filling the reservoir

When BC Hydro begins to fill the Site C reservoir as early as fall 2023 and for at least one year afterwards, there will be hazards as the surrounding land stabilizes.

We will monitor for slope stability and erosion, and BC Hydro's boat launches will be opened when the reservoir is deemed safe for public access and boating.

Hazards on the water

Strong currents: Closer to the dam, there will be strong currents near the approach channel as water is drawn into the underwater intakes of the powerhouse. The approach channel debris boom will prevent boaters from getting too close to the dam. Boaters should not travel further downstream than the Halfway River boat launch to avoid strong currents, as posted on the boater warning signs. There are no other access points between Halfway River and the dam.

Submerged hazards: During reservoir filling, submerged hazards could be dangerous for boaters as water levels rise. These include causeways, boulders, riprap, and concrete or steel structures. Once the reservoir reaches its full depth these objects will be fully submerged and no longer present a hazard. After reservoir filling, other submerged hazards remain along the shoreline, such as shallow water fish habitat which takes the form of logs and boulder piles.

Waves: There may be waves on the reservoir caused by wind or slope instabilities, as sections of shoreline settle into the reservoir during the filling process. The resulting waves could run up against the opposite shore. Hazards will be greatest during high flows and extreme weather.

Floating woody debris: During reservoir filling, woody debris will float to the surface. The debris includes logs, saplings, bushes, and plants. It may also include vegetation that could not be safely removed during clearing. Over time, the debris will float downstream, to be caught and removed by a debris boom.

Hazards on land

Hazards on land will be most common during reservoir filling and the following year, while the land and shoreline stabilizes. This is why all public recreation areas will be closed during this time, and we ask you to use extreme caution when close to shore, particularly when near steep slopes.

There will be erosion and slope instability, with impacts varying in different locations. Steep embankments and slopes are particularly prone to sudden slides, which may trigger waves on the reservoir. After the reservoir is filled, erosion will speed up in some areas, and new slides may occur.

Erosion is more likely to occur after high wind and rainstorms. Please use caution when near the reservoir, look for signs of active erosion and slope movements, and maintain a safe distance from these areas.

Learn more: Site C reservoir safety factsheet PDF • 4.0 MB

This summer, you can access the Peace River through:

• Existing Halfway River boat launch until September, when it will be permanently closed prior to reservoir filling
• Peace Island Park in Taylor downstream of the Site C dam

The existing D.A. Thomas and Lynx Creek boat launches are permanently closed.

New boat launches and recreation sites are being built at Halfway River, Lynx Creek, and the bottom of D.A. Thomas Road in Hudson's Hope. They will be closed for at least one year after reservoir filling, until the reservoir is deemed safe for public use.

Reservoir filling could begin as early as this fall. For safety reasons, our boat launches will be closed before filling begins, and will remain closed for at least one year afterwards.

During this time, BC Hydro will communicate that the reservoir is not safe for boating and other recreational activities.

Please do not take your boat farther downstream than the Halfway River boat launch, to avoid hazards associated with reservoir filling.

During Site C construction, a portage program was set up to move boaters around the construction area. The program ran from May to September each year, between the Halfway River boat launch and the Peace Island Park boat launch.

The portage program is suspended as we prepare to fill the Site C reservoir.

It will not re-open for at least one year after filling, while BC Hydro monitors for safety and shoreline stability. 

Learn more

The boat launches in the Dinosaur Reservoir, upstream of the Peace Canyon dam near Hudson's Hope, are open and will not be affected by reservoir filling.

The Peace Island Park boat launch, located downstream of Site C in Taylor, will also remain open.

Fishing along the shore or by boat in the Site C reservoir area is strongly discouraged during reservoir filling. People can instead visit:

• Peace Island Park, located downstream of Site C in Taylor
• Dinosaur Reservoir, upstream of the Peace Canyon dam near Hudson's Hope

The public should not access the reservoir from any access points during filling and for at least one year after, until the reservoir is deemed safe for public use.

Please call 911 if you see someone in danger on the reservoir. Emergency responders will coordinate with BC Hydro, if needed, in their emergency response.

At Halfway River, there is a lookout point overlooking the Peace River. This will remain open during reservoir filling and provides a south and west-facing view of the reservoir area.

We're also building new boat launches and recreation areas, which will open when the reservoir is deemed safe for public use, at least one year after the reservoir is filled.

The new Halfway River and Lynx Creek boat launches will include day use areas with picnic sites. At the bottom of D.A. Thomas Road in Hudson's Hope, a new recreation site will feature a small craft launch, picnic tables, and fire rings.